Carotid body tumor: the importance of preoperative embolization

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Carotid body tumors (paragangliomas) are highly vascularized, sporadic, and generally benign neoplasms originating in the carotid body chemoreceptors. We present the clinical case of a 65-year-old female patient, referred for asymptomatic right cervical enlargement, with a preoperative study performed with cervical Doppler ultrasound and angiotomography, compatible with a carotid body tumor. It was resolved surgically after embolization of the tumor by complete resection with minimal bleeding and preservation of neighboring cranial nerves. Biopsy reported a carotid body paraganglioma.